For the past four years, the Jakara Movement has created a forum for budding scholars and researchers, working on various projects Sikh, to come together, share, and challenge each one another.

In anticipation of the fourth annual Sikholars: Sikh Graduate Student Conference, we are pleased to announce our call for papers. The Sikholars conference has attracted young scholars from over three continents and twenty–five universities. With topics ranging from Khalistan to Unix Coding, from sex-selective abortion to diasporic literature, from Nihangs in the court of Ranjit Singh to the North American bhangra circuit, from Sikh sculpture and architecture to representations of masculinity in Punjabi films, we encourage the widest possible range of those pursuing graduate studies on Sikh-related topics.

While all topics are welcomed and panels will be formed around their various themes—this year we seek to form two panels for special consideration. The Challenge of Caste Panel Connected to broader themes being explored this year by the organizing institution, we seek special papers that explore the issue of caste amongst Sikh populations. From ethnography to sociology, from internet studies to musicology, from history to anthropology, we welcome any number of approaches to the question of caste, whether located in South Asia or the diaspora. Please indicate on the application if your subject is related to this theme.

Technology and Entrepreneurship Panel Due to the widespread interest and demand from attendees, we will have a special panel devoted to technological entrepreneurship. The panel will be limited to three panelists for this inaugural year.

The conference will be held over the President’s Day weekend from February 16–17, 2013 at Stanford University. It is sponsored by the Center for South Asia at Stanford University and the Jakara Movement.

Proposals for individual papers should be no more than 500 words in length and may be uploaded at the conference website, with a current CV/resume. Abstracts Submission Deadline: December 15, 2012.http://www.sikholars.org/

Last year, 100+ community members came to participate and converse. We expect an even greater attendance this year with more amazing papers. Be part of the conversation and mark your calendars for this unique experience.